You may like the “for Dummies” series, or dislike it, but surely it was inevitable that there would be a Nanotechnology for Dummies book, due out in five days. I can’t tell from the description whether this will be a useful introduction or not, but am always a bit nervous when the first phrase is “Nanotechnology is the science of…” Also, “molecule-sized machines” would be more accurate as “machines with parts the size of molecules.” But this may be marketing copy, not written by the authors. If you read this book, send us your opinion of it.

Yes, you’re right. Marketing wrote “the science of” and “molecule-sized machines” in describing nanotechnology to help sell this book. I’m one of the author’s for this book and came across your entry and I appreciate your interest in my book. I’ll give you a brief synopsis that will help you better understand the direction I took.

I’m a graduate student at Rice University in Houston, Texas, one of the premiere universities excelling in research and commercializing nanotechnology. During my studies, I noticed a disconnect between nanotech research and what the average person knows about nanotech – they didn’t match. As a graduate student, I was in the unique position to understand the science of nanotech but not in too deep that I couldn’t communicate it to the layperson. Therefore, I set out to dispel science fiction and lay out realistic expectations of nanotechnology as clear as possible.

Nanotechnology is in its commercial infancy – the technology has been around for a while but it’s just now showing unique promise. We now have tools capable of aiding our discovery. Commercial applications will begin to emerge within the next five years making profound impact to computers, materials, and healthcare. In the book, we draw relationships between these industries hopefully facilitating long-term understanding and nanotech growth while quelling unnecessary fear.

Let’s keep in mind that this is a “for Dummies” book and I knew my audience would want information disseminated to them quickly. To address this, we added over 100 line art and photos making it that much more real to the reader that nanotechnology isn’t just science fiction and will eventually lead to tangible products. Feel free to read the entire first chapter and table of contents on dummies.com.

This isn’t “Rocket Science for Dummies.” It’s meant for everyone – the high school student to the baby boomer. Even my dad is reading it…and more importantly understands and asks good questions. I encourage those that are interested in nanotechnology to take a closer look at this book.

Mr. Booker: My son’s robotics club (5th grade) is introducing nanotechnolgy. We are new to this so I thought a “for dummies” book might help. Is your book too much for a bright (but not genious) 5th grader? Advise on resources for his age is you can. Thanks.